The Persevering Presbyterian of Union City PennsylvaniaChapter Seven1874-1887Richard E. Dilworth – 1874-1884Charles E. Bruce – 1885-1887The Presbyterians at Union City had an elegant new church, but no pastor to serve it. The elders and congregation tried to get one or two they wanted but couldn’t get and they failed to get two or three they didn’t want. This state of affairs continued until July 1874, when Reverend Richard B. Dilworth came to Union City from Jamestown in Mercer County.Reverend Dilworth proved to be the preacher the Union City Presbyterians wanted and in due time, they called him and ordained and installed him as their pastor. The church promised to give him a salary of $1,200 a year, but government red-tape intervened, even in such a personal matter as the pastor’s salary. The government had been contracting the currency since 1866 and up to the financial crash of 1873. Until this point, Union City people didn’t feel the crash very severely, but now the crash and panic affected Union City currency too. The church found itself unable to pay Reverend Dilworth’s full salary.Being a perceptive man as well as a minister, Reverend Dilworth understood the situation and he also understood that $900 was as hard to raise as $1,200 would have been if times had remained as they had been. He renegotiated his contract with the church and said that if he congregation could pay him $900 he would be contented. The congregation agreed, and everyone was well satisfied with Reverend and Mrs. Dilworth.The entire congregation sympathized with Reverend Dilworth and his wife when two of their children died from disease. After ten years in Union City, Reverend Dilworth left because he thought his usefulness was greatly injured through no fault of his own or the congregation’s.In 1882, The Presbytery of Erie sent a notice to the church at Union that Reverend Dilworth had resigned his pastoral charge and also notified the church to appear by its delegates before the Presbytery on May 9, 1882, to give reasons why the relationship should not be resolved.The church and congregation met at the church on Tuesday, May 25, filling the parlors to overflowing. Mr. E.I. Hall was called to the chair and J.S. Thompson acted as secretary. Dr. Read offered prayer and fervently asked the Lord to grant wisdom in the time of trial, and to order all things for His own glory and the good of His church. A letter from Reverend Dilworth stating is reasons for resignation, was read. He stated in his letter that there was opposition to him which, if persisted in, must lead to a collision, and that he did not believe it would be for the peace and prosperity of the church to be engaged in a running fight. Several people read short letters from other church members who could not be present, wishing to have their votes recorded in favor of having Reverend Dilworth still remain the pastor if possible.John Landsrath and Hugh Wilson were then chosen as delegates to the Presbytery. David Wilson read a paper and moved that it be put into the hands of the delegates to be laid before the Presbytery as expressing the feelings and desires of the church. The paper said, “The church at Union respectfully and earnestly asks that the pastoral relation between the Rev. R.B. Dilworth may NOT be dissolved…There is no division among us in this matter. In the past eight years we have found him to be an indefatigable worker in the cause of truth; a kind and affectionate pastor, and a sound, instructive and independent preacher. And we esteem him more highly for these good qualities now, than we did the day he was installed over us. And if he should leave us now, we would consider it the greatest calamity that has ever befallen us as a church..”The paper was thoroughly discussed, fifteen or more speaking upon it all on the same side, as none were found to oppose. When the vote was at length called for, the chairman told all who were in favor of the motion to rise. All that were in the house immediately arose to their feet. Reverend Dilworth served the Union Church for two more years before he resigned.While Reverend Dilworth served the Presbyterian congregation at Union City, Robert Gray died on April 3, 1879, at the age of 81 years. He and his wife, Jane Smith Gray, had been faithful and consistent members of the church since June, 1827, a period of 52 years. Robert had farmed successfully and by hard work and thrift had accumulated enough money to leave his widow in comfort. She had more than she thought was enough, so she decided to contribute $2,000 to build a chapel onto the church. The chapel was built and furnished in the fall of 1879.The congregation also elected and ordained new elders. In September 1876, E. Hall and C.W. Dabney became church elders and on March 14, 1881, Hugh Wilson was ordained a ruling elder. During Reverend Dilworth’s ministry at the church, 121 new members were added by profession and 22 by letter. Twelve members died, and many received letters and moved away.After a few refusals the congregation finally accepted Reverend Dilworth’s resignation with much regret and Reverend W.A. Rankin filled the pulpit in the spring, summer, and fall of 1884 until Reverend C.M. Bruce was called to fill the pastorate.Reverend Bruce began his pastoral duties at the Union City Presbyterian Church in March 1885. One of his first sermons was a Temperance message, and then in January 1886, he held evangelistic meetings in the evenings for several weeks with good success.Tragedy struck the Bruces in May of 1886, when their little daughter, an only child, sickened and died. Both Reverend and Mrs. Bruce failed in health for a time because of this blow. When they had fully recovered, they moved away from Union City. David Wilson explained the situation in 1887 when he said, “So we are again without a preacher and applicants are not plenty.”David Wilson also examined some church numbers as of May 1, 1887. He stated that 33 years had passed since he and Alvin Northrop were made elders and the “records have been correctly kept.” When he and Alvin Northrop became elders, the church had 28 members. In the 33 years since then, the church had received 224 members by profession and 111 by letter, for a total of 335.Also over 33 years, 37 members had died and 150 went on “As we trust, to enjoy the fellowship and help in the labours of other churches.” Two members went back to the world, which left 166 members as of the first of May 1887.Presbyterian Participation, 1874-1886September 20, 1874. Motion made and carried at the session meeting that the church adopt the new hymn book.March 20, 1875. Mrs. Mary G. Dilworth was received on a letter from the First Presbyterian Church of Emporia, Kansas.March 18, 1876. Mrs. Eliza Jane Wilson departed this life, being fifty five years of age and having been a consistent member of this particular church for forty five years. Written by her husband, David Wilson, clerk, by order of the session of the church.March 4, 1877. Session met at the call of the moderator. All the members present. Opened with prayer. The session was then informed that Horace Corwin, who is not a member of the church, but who is one of the trustees, and leads the choir, signed a petition for license for Pat Coleman to sell liquor. When it was unanimously resolved that James Shreve be a committee instructed to see Mr. Corwin and inform him that it was the unanimous opinion of this session that it inconsistent to sign such a petition and hold the position which he does towards the church and to request him to erase his name from said petition before it goes to court. Closed with prayer.David Wilson, ClerkJuly 31, 1879. Mr. E.P. Browning has been engaged to lead the Presbyterian Choir for the coming year. Mr. Browning will no doubt have one of the best drilled choirs in the city before long, as he is an excellent instructor for one so young.Thursday, January 8, 1880. The fourth of the series of lectures will be delivered in the Presbyterian Church Friday evening by Miss M.J. Sanford. Her subject is “Rome.” Miss Sanford will be remembered as delivering two lectures before the recent Teacher’s Institute. She will during the lecture use a stereopticon, giving a number of historical views that will interest all.Wednesday, May 26, 1880. The Presbyterian Sunday School has recently purchased a new library.Wednesday, July 14, 1880. The praise meeting of the Presbyterian Church last Sunday evening was well attended and the exercises, though cut short on account of the extreme heat of the evening, were interesting and instructive.Thursday, September 23, 1880. The Presbyterian Sabbath School has just had a catalogue of its library printed. It contains about 200 choice volumes.Thursday, November 25, 1880. The regular monthly temperance meeting will be held next Sunday evening in the Presbyterian Church. Reverend N.R. Luce is to deliver the address. All should go.Thursday, December 23, 1880. The members of the Presbyterian Society are to give a Christmas dinner to the Sunday school children and will have the pleasure of a sleigh ride. All the members of the congregation were requested to be present and enjoy a good time.Thursday, February 3, 1881. Chicken pie social at the Presbyterian Church parlors tomorrow night. Miss Mary Olds will give select readings.January 19, 1882. The young men’s social at the Presbyterian Church last Friday night was a most enjoyable affair, and the boys did things up “brown” all the way through and are entitled to much credit. The tables were handsomely decorated, as well as loaded with good things showing that these young men were adept at kitchen or dining room work.January 10, 1882. Last Saturday night, the Presbyterian choir made their leader, Mr. A.G. Sweet, a handsome present. It was a beautiful, gold-headed cane. The presentation remarks were made by Frank Glenn in a very neat manner. Mr. Sweet thanked the choir heartily for the gift and said it would always be a reminder of the friendship that existed between them. The cane was intended as a New Year’s present to Mr. Sweet, but unfortunately was delayed and did not get here in time. It bore the inscription tastefully engraved:A.G.S.A Happy New YearFrom the Choir1882Our friend Sweet feels very proud over his present, and well he may, as it is one of the handsomest we ever saw, and we hope it may be his lot to live many long years and when on the down hill side of life it may indeed prove a blessing to him as a strong staff to guide his then trembling steps.Thursday, June 22, 1882. The Union City Times printed a catalogue of the books contained in the Presbyterian Sabbath School library from which everyone saw that the library contains two hundred and twenty two choice volumes.Thursday, July 20, 1882. Last Thursday evening several ladies were returning from the Presbyterian prayer meeting, when near the High Street bridge three objects raised up in front of them which were dressed in some frightful costume. The ladies were terribly frightened, and started on at a rapid pace. When they got to Main Street they informed a gentleman of what had happened, and he started after the objects. The objects ran up the street. As near as the gentleman could determine, the objects were some young ladies who had dressed up for the purpose of frightening someone. It will not be well for them to try it again!Thursday, July 20, 1882. Children's prayer meetings are being held every evening this week at the Presbyterian Church.Thursday, July 27 1882. The social at the Presbyterian Church parlors last Wednesday evening was largely attended, and everything passed off very pleasantly. The proceeds amounted to about $33.00.Thursday, August 17, 1882. There will be a temperance meeting in the Presbyterian Church next Sunday evening at which time Mr. Hosmer, better known as the "Little Corporal," recently of the Dayton, Ohio, Soldiers Home, will deliver the address. Let there be a full house.Thursday, September 14, 1882. The Presbyterian Sabbath School class taught by Mrs. J.J. Lyons picnicked in Mark Smith's grove near Beaverdam last Saturday, and enjoyed themselves very much.Thursday, October 26, 1882. The Prohibitionists held a meeting in the Presbyterian Church on Tuesday evening last. The speaker Patton reviewed the objects of the Prohibition movement and assured his aduience that the party was gaining every day. While some of his statements, like all political speakers indulge in, were a little wide of the mark, on the whole, his address was a fair one and elicited earnest attention. At the close of the speech a Prohibition Club was formed with thirty-two members. David Wilson was elected president of the club.Presbyterian Participation-1883Thursday, January 25, 1883- The cornet in the choir at the Presbyterian Church adds materially to the music rendered by them. This choir is now one of the best in the city, and under the leadership of Professor A.. Sweet is growing better each week.Thursday, February 15, 1883- The leaders of the Presbyterian Society will give a weight social in the parlors of the church tomorrow evening. The ladies will be weighed and the gentleman will pay one half cent per pound for the weight which will include tickets for supper. Oysters will be served and a general good time enjoyed.Thursday, June 14, 1883-The Presbyterian General Assembly has finally agreed. Music will be admitted into the service of the United Presbyterian churches. The vote stood 149 for music and 71 against. The world moves.Thursday, December 27, 1883-The Christmas program in the Presbyterian Church was excellent. The Christmas trees looked beautiful and the decorations were grand. On entering the church, the first to attract attention was a large evergreen arch over the main aisle, containing in large gilt letters the word “Welcome.” Passing this, the eye at once rested upon the words, “Glory to god in the Highest,” arranged in a semicircle form, back of the pulpit, underneath of which was a beautiful star and an evergreen cross, and on either side of the church were evergreen wreathes. When old St. Nick came in the little ones were nearly wild with joy, and gave vent to their feelings by clapping hands, etc. Each scholar of the school was given a present.Presbyterian Pastors – 1876-1886December 10, 1876Session met at the call of the moderator. Present R.B. Dilworth, minister; and David Wilson, James Shreve, Andrew Thompson, E.I. Hall, and C.W. Dabney, elders.On motion, the pastor requested permission to unite with the other pastors of Union City in Temperance Meetings as often as may be deemed expedient.On motion, the session agrees to hold stated meetings monthly for transaction of business.Closed with prayer.R.B. Dilworth, PastorWednesday, August 25, 1880-Reverend John Grassie presented a very interesting sermon at the Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning last. Mr. Grassie was pastor of the church here some 18 years ago.Thursday, February 7, 1881-On Monday, February 4, 1881, the members of the Presbyterian Church at Union City held their annual congregational meeting. The main order of business at the meeting was the resignation of Pastor Richard B. Dilworth. Reluctantly, the congregation accepted Reverend Dilworth’s resignation.The kindest feelings and tenderest sympathies existed between Reverend Dilworth and the church. Many people felt sad because they realized that they would probably never again see his face and listen to his counsel. Reverend Dilworth could have remained indefinitely as pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Union city. He had the fullest confidence and heartiest good will of the church. Reverend Dilworth also assured the church of his good will and affectionate interest in its welfare. He said many of his reasons for leaving concerned his desire to find a climate more congenial to the health of his family.During the pastorate of Reverend Dilworth, the affairs of the church prospered, and the membership steadily increased. The church had been strengthened spiritually and Reverend Dilworth gave the church the leadership and example of a hard working and persevering pastor. “He has strong and comprehensive convictions, and he has the courage of his convictions. As a pastor, he has been faithful, earnest, sympathetic; a worthy example of unselfish devotion to others. He has been untiring and particularly successful in his efforts to instruct the young of his church and congregation, and to give them broad and higher views of life.”Thursday, February 24, 1881- The regular monthly temperance meeting will be held next Sunday evening in the Presbyterian Church, at which time speeches will be made by Rev. J.C. Scofield, Rev. R.B. Dilworth and Rev. T.A. Edwards. The meeting will be one of unusual interest and all should attend.Thursday, May 12, 1881- Rev. R.B. Dilworth preached a most excellent sermon on Sunday evening last, and we only regret that those boys who are always standing on the front steps of the church during the evening service smoking and telling stories did not hear it.Thursday, June 22, 1882- Rev. T.E.A. Edwards occupied the pulpit in the Presbyterian Church last Sabbath morning in the absence of Reverend Dilworth, who was summoned to Pittsburgh to the bedside of his wife’s father who was very ill. Dr. Read preached from the pulpit in the Baptist church the same morning.Thursday, June 29, 1882- Reverend R.B. Dilworth preached a most excellent and instructive sermon on Sunday evening last.Reverend R.B. Dilworth’s mother from Fort Scott, Kansas, is a guest at his home and will remain with him during the summer.Thursday, July 13, 1882-The Pittsburgh Dispatch carried the death notice of James G. McLean, father of Mrs. R.B. Dilworth of Union City. The death notice said that James G. McLean, died on Wednesday, July 12, 1882, at his residence on Center Avenue. He had been a merchant on the line of the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad at McLean’s Corners, and continued in business until his health failed a few years ago and he moved to Pittsburgh. At the age of 30, James McClean became a ruling elder in his father Daniel McLean’s church and since he moved to Pittsburgh had been an active member of the Third United Presbyterian congregation. He was survived by his wife, a son, John F. McLean, and seven daughters. His oldest daughter was the wife of Reverend R.B. Dilworth of Union City.Thursday, October 25, 1883- The temperance sermon delivered by Reverend R.B. Dilworth at the Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening last, was one of the soundest ever heard. The speaker presented the matter in altogether a new light, and so plainly too that no one could fail to comprehend it. The churches are handled without gloves, he showed conclusively that the temperance cause went begging simply because the church would not work harmoniously in the matter. There were too many sects, each of which did not care to champion any ism unless that particular thing would rebound to the entire benefit of that particular church. What was needed, he said, was union, and until then, the temperance cause would never win, and this is the truth.January 4, 1884-The Session called the church and congregation to consider the request that pastor Richard Dilworth made of the Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relations between him and them. The church congregation agreed to acquiesce in said request. James Shreve, elder, was appointed to meet with the next Presbytery.Thursday, January 31, 1884- Rev. R.B. Dilworth preached his farewell sermon last Sabbath morning. The church was filled to its utmost and all listened with special attention to his discourse, which was pronounced to be one of the best he ever delivered. The Baptist Church was closed so that the members might go and hear him.Presbyterian ProfilesPresbyterian ProfileThursday, August 4, 1881- The 70thAnniversaryThe 70thanniversary or reunion of the Presbyterian Church, was celebrated on Friday evening last at the church and it was indeed a most interesting affair. The gentlemen of the society had the whole matter in charge and unbeknown to the ladies, secured the eatables for the occasion. The church and parlors were handsomely decorated with flowers, and in front were torches and Chinese lanterns which added to the beauty of the grounds around. At nine o’clock the doors to the dining rooms were opened and all of the older members of the church and the invited guests took seats around the tables which were well laden with all the delicacies of the season.Reverend Dilworth called upon Will Gillespie, of Mill Village, to say grace which was done in a few well chosen words, appropriate to the occasion after which all partook of the repast before them. The gentlemen waiters, with their white aprons and delicate bouquets, did their best to please and although new business for them, they got along very well.After the supper was over, a well arranged program was carried out, consisting of toasts and responses, which was very interesting to both old and young. There were present during the evening about 300 people, all of whom seemed to enjoy the occasion well. The proceeds amounted to about $50.Presbyterian ProfileThe “Old People’s Class” at the Presbyterian ChurchThursday, April 26, 1883The “Old People’s” class at the Presbyterian Sunday School was organized in 1870 and still retained it original form in April of 1883. The organization of the class didn’t change, but there were some great changes among its members.Six of the original members entered into “the eternal Sabbath of rest which remains for the people of God in heaven.” Barna Honeywell met with the class for five years and died November 14, 1875, at the age of 74 years. Mrs. Eliza Jane Wilson was the second original class member to die. She was born in St. Charles, Missouri, but returned to Union City when she was eleven years old. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church from the time she was eleven until she died in March 1876, at the age of 55. Mary Wilson was a class member for nine years. Born in Union Township, she was a member of the church for 48 years. She died in March 1879 at the age of 77 years.Mrs. Eliza Glenn was a member for the class for seven years. The only daughter of John Graham, she was born in Summit, Erie County, and came to Union City in 1873. She joined the Presbyterian Church and remained a member until she died in April 1889, at the age of 56.The history of the Graham-Glenn connection in the Union City Presbyterian Church goes back beyond the “Old People’s Sunday School Class.” The good ship Wilmington sailed from the port of Belfast in Ireland on May 2, 1792. It carried over 200 passengers, and among these were the four Graham brothers. John Graham was one of these brothers. Other passengers were Hugh Wilson who later settled in Union, and William McClellen who settled in Girard. The Graham brothers and Hugh Wilson and William MClellen didn’t know each other in Ireland or on shipboard, but when they came to the wilds of Erie County, their children became acquainted. Together their children studied the same doctrines for which their forefathers were persecuted out of Scotland centuries ago.Another class member, Mrs. Palmyra Lawrence, was born in Massachusetts and began her church life as a Congregationalist. She moved to Union City and joined the Presbyterian Church. “For forty-two years she exhibited an amount of patience and perseverance that was wonderful.” She began with the “Old People’s Sunday School Class” and attended for six or seven years until her health prohibited her coming. She died in November 18812, at the age of 63.Mrs. Mary Shreve was born in Chautauqua County and joined the Union City Presbyterian Church in about 1866. She was a member of the Old People’s Class from its beginning until she died in January 1883 when she was 51 years old.Some of the former class members joined at the beginning and attended faithfully until they moved away. Three of these former members were Asa Moses and his wife, and Mrs. James Culbertson. Other class members attended as long as their health permitted. Peter H. Frantz and his wife were in the class, but couldn’t attend for several years because of their health. Peter was 76 in 1883. David Wilson was 71, Andrew Thompson and E.I. Hall each 70, and Mrs. Hall not far behind when they attended in 1883. Samuel Glenn was 66.Besides the older members, other class members were Solomon Shreve, Oscar Gleason, Hugh Wilson and wife, Mr. Hall, Mrs. Edwards, and Mrs. Thompson. James Shreve attended the class regularly for twelve and a half years, and then went to teach another class.The anonymous class member who wrote about the class for the Union City Times said that all class members “find great delight and profit in the study of the word.”Presbyterian Participation1884April 17 1884-The Easter services at the Presbyterian Church consisting of music, responsive readings, and a short address by the pastor, Reverend Rankin, was highly interesting, not only to the little ones but older ones as well. The flowers were tastefully arranged, which added much to the beauty of the church.May 1, 1884- The ordinance of baptism was observed at the Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening last.May 8, 1884-The officers elected in the Presbyterian Sunday School for the coming year are Superintendent, John R. Mulkie and Assistant F.E. McLean. Mrs. W.T. Boyd was elected Assistant Superintendent of the Juvenile Department; W.J. Olds was elected secretary, and Gertie Boyd, treasurer. Frank Glenn was elected librarian and Sarah Rogers, assistant librarian. Mrs. C.C. Van Dusen was elected organist and A.G. Sweet, Chorister. Church members felt that Mr. Mulkie had made a most excellent superintendent, and the school was to be congratulated on retaining him in the position longer.Thursday, June 12, 1884-The services of the Presbyterian Church on last Sabbath, Children’s Day, were of a highly interesting character. The recitations and singing by the little ones was fine and the sermon by Reverend Rankin was excellent and fitting for the occasion. The choir rendered two of their best anthems in very fine style and the entire program was well carried out and highly appreciated by the large number in attendance.Thursday, September 4, 1884-The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be observed at the Presbyterian Church on Sabbath morning next. The preparatory lecture will be held in the chapel on Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock.Thursday, September 25, 1884- Reverend Rankin performed the solemn rite of baptism on Sunday last at four o’clock. Miss pearl Webster was the candidate.Thursday, October 30, 1884-Reverend W.A. Rankin at the close of his sermon last Sunday morning spoke in the congregation in a friendly way about too few attending the Sabbath evening services. The services are well attended in the morning, but in the evening plenty of empty pews can be found, which should not be so. “If for nothing else, turn out to the evening services out of respect for the feelings of your pastor.”Presbyterian Participation1885January 15, 1885-Everybody should avail themselves of the opportunity to take lunch at the Presbyterian Church parlors tomorrow night. Only 10 cents.March 15, 1885-The Session met at the call of the moderator. Present were Reverend C.H. Bruce, moderator. Elders C.W. Dabney, Hugh Wilson, and David Wilson were present. A sum of $100 having been previously raised for church work. It was distributed by the session as follows:To the Board of Home Missions 24.00Foreign Missions 20.00Education 6.00Church Erection 15.00Ministerial Relief 10.00Freedmen 7.00Aid for Colleges 8.00Commissioners Fund 10.00_______$100.00Hugh Wilson was appointed a delegate to a Presbyterian Temperance convention to meet at Corry the 24thof March. David Wilson is his alternate. Mrs. C.W. Dabney was appointed as a lady delegate from the Presbyterian Church to the same convention, and Mrs. John Mulkie her alternate. John Mulkie, Superintendent of the Sabbath School, was invited to attend. The meeting closed with prayer.David Wilson, ClerkThursday February 5, 1885- See the floral display at the Presbyterian Church parlors one week from tomorrow. (Friday night). The “Chinese Lilly” will be on exhibition then.Thursday, March 26, 1885-Hereafter, services will commence in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday evenings at 7:30 instead of seven o’clock.Thursday, April 9, 1885-The Easter exercises in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday last were highly interesting and instructive. There was at a place a profusion of choice flowers, and house plants with which to beautify the church. At the Presbyterian Church the exercises were held in the morning and the following program was carried out:Anthem…………………………”Now is Christ Risen”……………………………ChoirPrayer………………………………………………………………………….Reverend BruceHymn………………………..”Sound the Loud Praises………………………ChoirSong……………………….”Climbing Up Zion’s Hill…………………Arthur ClarkResponsive Reading………………………………………………………………Recitation……………………..”Christ Is Risen”……………………….13 BoysSinging……………..”Children May Come”……………………..Mattie ClarkMaud Gillett, Lillie PersonsAddress to the Children……..Reverend Bruce…………………………….Marching Song………………………………………………………………..Infant ClassesHymn……………………….”Arise and Shine”………………………….ChoirRecitation………………..”The Two Gates”………………………….Alice ClarkSong………..”A Boys Best Friend Is His Mother”…………………..Fred CampRecitation……………………………………………………………Daisy SherwoodSong…………..”Song of the Clock”………………………Gertrude ChurchDialogue…………………………………………………..By Six GirlsSolo………………………………………………………..Kate AgardAnthem…………”Hail the Day I Saw Him Rise”………………………ChoirThursday, April 24, 1885-By request of the W.C.T.U., Reverend Bruce will on next Sunday preach a sermon in the Presbyterian Church on the “Proper Observance of the Sabbath.” All cordially invited to attend.Thursday, May 21, 1885-The Presbyterian Church is to be somewhat overhauled this spring, work having already commenced. A new roof will be put on, the inside painted, and the steeple which blew off last winter put back in its place again.Thursday, June 18, 1885-Children’s Day at the Presbyterian Church was celebrated with special programs. The church held its exercises in the morning, continuing them into the Sunday School. Reverend C.H. Bruce talked to the church on the subject of temperance in words full of meaning, and which will no doubt be remembered and heeded by them in after years.Thursday, September 3, 1885-The gentlemen’s social at the Presbyterian Church last Friday night was largely attended, and greatly enjoyed by all present. The gentlemen did well in the role of waiters, cooks, dish washers, etc., and received many compliments from the ladies. The financial part of the affair was very gratifying to those interested, there being about $40 realized.Thursday, October 29, 1885- Reverend C.H. Bruce preached an eloquent sermon on the subject of “Profanity” at the Presbyterian Church last Sunday evening. Those who were present and heard it will no doubt be the better for it.Thursday November 12, 1885-The Presbyterian services will be held in the City Hall again next Sunday, the church not being ready yet for use.Thursday, November 26, 1885-The Presbyterian Church which has been undergoing repairs for the past four weeks will be finished and ready for regular services to be held in it again on Sunday next. The church now presents a handsome appearance on the interior with the walls and ceiling newly frescoed, and the wood work brushed up with a fresh coat of paint and varnish.Presbyterian Participation1886Thursday, February 18, 1886-The ladies of the Presbyterian Church will give a chicken pie social on Friday evening next. Supper is from 6 o’clock on, and admission is ten cents; supper 15 cents. For children, the admission will be 5 cents and supper, 10 cents. During the evening this program will be presented:Chorus……………….”Come Rise with the Lark”……………Solo………………..”The Last Rose of Summer”………………..Miss Clara SissonSolo…………………..”The Scissors Grinder”………Daisy, Drew, and Belle SherwoodSolo………………….”When the Robins Nest Again”………Miss Gertrude BoydChorus…………….”Whistle and Hoe”…………………..Bass Solo…………….”The Old Sexton”………………..George WardenChorus……………….”Zelekiah”………………Solo…………….”Beware”………………………..Miss Kate AgardSolo………………”Invitations to Bachelors”……..The Old MaidsSolo…………….”Down in the Butter Cup Meadow”……..Daisy SherwoodChorus……………”The Social Hash”Thursday, March 4, 1886-The young ladies of the Presbyterian Church will give a broom drill entertainment in the near future, preparations for which are now being made.March 7, 1886-The following members were baptized in the presence of the congregation:William Lewis FullerMiss Belle Anna FullerOmer Blain AldenMrs. Christine AldenErnest Byron SmithMrs. Annice Eugenia SmithMiss Emily Elvira Gertrude WhiteThursday, March 11, 1886-The ladies of the Presbyterian Church will have a maple sugar social in the parlors on Friday evening of next week. This is the first sugar social of the season and everybody should attend and “sweeten up.”Thursday, March 11, 1886-At the Presbyterian Church last Sunday the ordinance of baptism was observed, there being nine candidates. There were also seventeen persons who joined the church, fifteen on profession of their faith, and two by letter.Presbyterian PastorThursday, March 11, 1886During the first year of the pastorate of Reverend C.H. Bruce in the Presbyterian Church, there has been a great work done, and the church is in a very flourishing condition. During the year there has been added to its membership twenty six new members. Reverend Bruce has worked zealously for the growing of the church and for the advancement of Christianity in the city, and it must be a great source of encouragement to him to see this reward of his efforts.Thursday, May 6, 1886-On account of the death of the little daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Bruce, there were no services in the Presbyterian Church last Sunday.Presbyterian ProfileUnion Sunday School PicnicThursday, July 22, 1886-The Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, United Brethren and Unity Society Sabbath Schools will take part in the Union Grove Sunday School Picnic on Wednesday, August 4th.The Union Sunday School Picnic will be held this year on Wednesday, August 4, 1886, in the woods near the fair grounds, formerly known as Black’s Woods. The picnic committee has done everything it can to make this one of the pleasantest days of the year, especially for the young people and children. The committee has put together a short spicy program for the older people. Mrs. Frank Davidson of Cleveland draws large houses and comes highly recommended. Everyone should come to hear him. The solos are of the very best and the program throughout should please all.The Sunday Schools will all assemble at their respective churches and bring their lunch. The baskets will be carded with the owner’s names and carried to the baggage room on the grounds, where they can be obtained at lunch time.At 10 o’clock the church bells will ring and the schools will all march towards Main Street. The Coleman Band will head the procession and the schools will fall in line in the following order:Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and U.B. School. Schools from other places will form with those of their denomination. The grounds are near, but those who think they cannot walk will be carried from the churches to the grounds.Program for the Day9:00 a.m………………………..Assemble at churches10:00 a.m………….Ringing of church bells and start for the Grove10:30 a.m…………….Music by Coleman Band……Prayer, Reverend Bruce10:45 a.m……….Address of Welcome by Reverend Edwards11:00 a.m……….Recitations and Vocal Entertainment by Frank S. Davidson of Cleveland12:00 a.m…………..Music by Band and Lunch1:30 a.m……….Music by Band……….Solo by Mrs. Brown2:00 a.m……Short Address by Reverends Evans, Luce, and Pinney…..Solo by Miss Kate Agard……………….Excelsior Quartette………..Solo by Miss HullThursday, September 9, 1886-Mrs. C.H. Bruce, who has been absent on an eastern visit for the past two months, returned home last week much improved in health.G.W. Reed, C.B. Geer, and Reverend C.H. Bruce, who were in the wilds of Michigan on a fishing and hunting expedition for the past four weeks, returned home last Saturday and report having had an interesting time and all return much recuperated in health.Thursday, October 14, 1886-Four fine specimens of the “coon” family were captured in the old Presbyterian Cemetery near the chair factory one day last week. They had seemingly been making their home in the large lumber piles close by.The infant department of the Presbyterian Sunday School enjoyed a very pleasant picnic last Saturday afternoon at the parsonage.At the Presbyterian Church next Sunday evening, Reverend C.H. Bruce will deliver a sermon on the subject, “The Fruit of the Saloon.”November 4, 1886-Mrs. Alduretta Fuller after being examined in regard to her faith, knowledge and piety was received into the church, she having been previously baptized.